Voltaire Quotes

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Voltaire

Profession : Writer

Birth : November 21, 1694

Indeed, history is nothing more than a tableau of crimes and misfortunes.

Voltaire

When he to whom one speaks does not understand, and he who speaks himself does not understand, that is metaphysics.

Voltaire

We have a natural right to make use of our pens as of our tongue, at our peril, risk and hazard.

Voltaire

The opportunity for doing mischief is found a hundred times a day, and of doing good once in a year.

Voltaire

The ancients recommended us to sacrifice to the Graces, but Milton sacrificed to the Devil.

Voltaire

Men hate the individual whom they call avaricious only because nothing can be gained from him.

Voltaire

The infinitely little have a pride infinitely great.

Voltaire

Governments need to have both shepherds and butchers.

Voltaire

The world embarrasses me, and I cannot dream that this watch exists and has no watchmaker.

Voltaire

Let us work without theorizing, tis the only way to make life endurable.

Voltaire

Very often, say what you will, a knave is only a fool.

Voltaire

Anyone who seeks to destroy the passions instead of controlling them is trying to play the angel.

Voltaire

A witty saying proves nothing.

Voltaire

We cannot always oblige; but we can always speak obligingly.

Voltaire

It is said that the present is pregnant with the future.

Voltaire

Men use thought only as authority for their injustice, and employ speech only to conceal their thoughts.

Voltaire

I should like to lie at your feet and die in your arms.

Voltaire

I know many books which have bored their readers, but I know of none which has done real evil.

Voltaire

Love has features which pierce all hearts, he wears a bandage which conceals the faults of those beloved. He has wings, he comes quickly and flies away the same.

Voltaire

Weakness on both sides is, as we know, the motto of all quarrels.

Voltaire